Avelo Airlines slashes routes and closes three bases amid fleet cuts

Avelo Airlines is cutting back its operations with plans to close three bases and reduce its fleet. The changes will affect routes, including an early end to an international service. Customers on impacted flights will receive updates shortly. The airline will shut its bases in Mesa, Arizona (AZA), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), and Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM). Mesa had been used for deportation flights with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while Raleigh-Durham opened in 2023 and Wilmington in early 2025. Despite the closures, Avelo will not stop flying entirely from these airports, though many routes will be reduced.

The international route between Wilmington and Punta Cana will now end later this month instead of April. Passengers booked on affected flights will be notified via email and text about schedule changes.

Avelo is also removing six Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 aircraft from its fleet. However, it will keep its larger 737-800 models. Moving forward, the airline will concentrate on four main hubs: New Haven (HVN), Philadelphia/Delaware Valley (ILG), Charlotte/Concord (USA), and Central Florida/Lakeland (LAL).

Looking ahead, Avelo plans to open a new base in Dallas/McKinney, Texas (TKI) by late 2026. The adjustments mean fewer routes and a smaller fleet for Avelo in the near term. Customers on disrupted flights will receive direct notifications about their options. Meanwhile, the airline’s focus shifts to its remaining hubs and future expansion in Texas.